Every day brings something new, so having the right professionals trained for any kind of situation is critical. Both major storms and accidents involving electrical equipment present significant danger, requiring a knowledgeable first responder on the scene. To keep emergency crews safe, especially around high voltage equipment, proper training is important to prevent harm to them and those in the community.

Often, emergency management personnel are first on the scene. Whether a structure fire or monitoring driving conditions, these individuals can also be the first to hear of an electric-related emergency. When a vehicle accident takes a power line down, the 911 call made from the driver or a witness prompts them into action. As they face this type of emergency, training with those who work around this high voltage equipment can make an impact. That is where our Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) team steps in. 

Local emergency personnel, as well as our lineworkers, have an important job within the community: keeping our neighbors safe and informed. To do that, I&M partners with local fire stations and police departments to ensure they have the right training for any emergency involving electrical equipment. Using the safety trailer, I&M provides training for first responders, demonstrating how to safely respond. This includes securing a crash scene involving a downed line; safely proceeding if a downed line is on or near a vehicle; taking next steps if someone encounters a power line; and more.

Last July, several police and fire departments came to I&M’s Elkhart Service Center to learn more about electrical hazards on the job. Passing on their safety knowledge, lineworkers worked with the agencies to provide training that will be critical in a time our community is in need. This was also the case for the Gaston Fire Department, Daleville-Salem Township Fire Protection Territory, Eaton Volunteer Fire Department and Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire, who partnered with the Muncie linecrews for this opportunity last winter.

Whether a blue sky day or after an emergency happens, the proper training can be the difference in outcome for our community, and the first responders. I&M is grateful to work with emergency personnel through its 160-plus communities and understands the importance of the work we do for our neighbors – together.

Visit our community page for more information on how I&M is supporting our local communities.